Replacing ignition switch

[JC]

My S2 has a Britax Steering Column Lock/Ignition switch assembly.

I want to extract the ignition switch, and thought that there was a locking nut at the front of the assembly - loosing which would allow me to pull the igntion switch out from the back.

First problem - there is a contact cover (right name?) over the front of the assembly that would be hiding any locking nut. This doesn't want to budge and I can't see how it's attached.

So, is my supposition about a locking nut correct and, if so, how do I remove the contact cover to access this? If my supposition is wrong then how do I extract the switch?

P.S. The diagram that I found on the www shows a wire with connector attached to the contact cover. This is not present in my car - is its absence critical. It's been that way during the 26 years of my ownwership!!

[Tom W]

The contact on the cover where the key goes in is just for the buzzer to tell you the key’s been left in when the door’s opened. It’s not critical. The whole ignition switch assy can be removed from the column, but you’ll probably need to drill out the tamper proof bolt that secures it, unless someone’s removed it already and replaced the bolt with a standard screw. New bolts are available. The head shears off when they’re tightened.

[abowie]

Do you have a source for a new switch? I need one and have had no luck finding one.

[mgcjag]

Hi...i think you will find that the switch on the back of the steering column lock is held in be a tiny screw.....very difficult to see......Steve

[politeperson]

If it is one of these they come out when the little screw is taken out. They were fitted to Land Rovers and all sorts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-GENUINE- ... ctupt=true

Don't do anything until you have disconnected the battery though!

[docdcc]

While you are doing this you might want to hook up a relay closer to the battery to run the power through the relay instead of the ignition switch.
docdcc

[JC]

Thank you all so far. I'll potter around the garage tomorrow night with my reading glasses - and have a good look for a little screw!! I'll report back.

But, in the meantime, any hints on where to find the little screw would be much appreciated!!

Cheers, John

[MarkRado]

While you are doing this you might want to hook up a relay closer to the battery to run the power through the relay instead of the ignition switch.
docdcc

almost a must

[JC]

Thank you all. I found the (very) tiny screw, extracted said and the ignition barrel fell out in pieces when I pulled it (gently) - two plastic discs, a couple of tiny springs and a brass contact plate. I'm assuming that the barrel shouldn't fall to bits and so hopefully a complete replacement will do the trick.

Thanks for the advice on moving the relay. I'll give it further thought when I eventually get the starter motor/ ignition system working - it's been a long term intermittent problem.

Cheers, JC

[abowie]

Any chance you could post a couple of photos of the lid thingie that holds the actual switch in place. I'm going to have to fabricate one.

[JC]

As requested, I've attached some photographs of the bits that comprise my ignition barrel.

As suggested, replacements don't currently exist - I'm hoping a local auto-electrician can 'put' my bits back together as a working unit. In the meantime I've rigged up a Heath Robinson ignition bypass that will need to surfice till then!!

[abowie]

What I'd really like to see is a couple of shots of the cover that holds the switch in place.

[JC]

The penny is dropping.

My barrel was held in place by a couple of plastic ties. I'd presumed that this had been 'bodged' as the plastic components no longer 'clicked' together tightly. Clearly the previous owner had lost or damaged the cover component.

I now have a fuller understanding of my problem, but I'm afraid it doesn't help you!!

Cheers, John